Newcastle United begin the New Year with an away trip to Liverpool - and the odds are already stacked against Eddie Howe's side gaining a positive result.
Not since 1994 have the Magpies won at Anfield. Howe, as manager, has lost his last 11 games versus the Reds. And the fact United have lost six of their last seven games is no ideal preparation.
Indeed, there tends to be drama when the two clubs clash.
In the early season meeting at St James' Park, Newcastle led 1-0 against the 10-man Reds after Virgil van Dijk's first-half red card. Darwin Nunez, however, stunned the hosts by netting a late brace.
Six months earlier, there was a sending off for United. Goalkeeper Nick Pope was shown his marching orders as goals from Nunez and Cody Gakpo claimed a 2-0 victory.
And in last season's clash on Merseyside, a last-minute winner by Fabio Carvalho condemned United to a heart-breaking defeat, despite taking the lead through Alexander Isak on his debut.
While Newcastle piped Liverpool to Champions League qualification last term, Klopp's men are a team resurged and currently sit top of the top-flight table, 13 points above their hosts.
Here, NewcastleWorld predicts how Newcastle will line-up at Anfield:
1. GK: Martin Dubravka
The Slovakian has averaged conceding two goals a game since stepping in for the injured Nick Pope.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Newcastle will need Trippier at his very best if they are to get something at Anfield.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
The Swiss international has started every Premier League game for Newcastle this season.
4. CB: Sven Botman
The Dutchman's return from injury is a major boost despite the results not yet suggesting so.